Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Federico Chiesa will not be in the starting lineup when the Reds take on AC Milan in their Champions League opener at the San Siro.
The Italian winger, signed from Juventus, is still building his match fitness and will likely have to wait a little longer for his Liverpool debut.
Chiesa to be on bench in Liverpool vs. AC Milan
Chiesa has been patiently waiting for his moment since arriving from Juventus in a £12.5 million deal. Despite using the international break to regain some sharpness, Slot has made it clear that the 25-year-old is not quite ready for a full 90 minutes.
“You shouldn’t expect him to start, but he will get a few minutes if we need him,” Slot shared.
Having been left out of the squad in Liverpool’s matches against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, Chiesa’s long-awaited debut might come as a cameo against Milan.
Slot praised the new signing, highlighting his work rate and versatility, saying, “He brings this to his game in combination with scoring goals and can play in several positions.”
But the boss was quick to add that Chiesa’s training alone at Juventus has left him short of match fitness, making it “too early for him to play 90.”
Slot’s rotation under fire
Some fans were left scratching their heads after Liverpool’s shocking 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at Anfield, with critics suggesting a lack of rotation may have contributed to the defeat.
However, Slot was quick to dismiss those claims. “For me, it’s too simple to put the loss on rotations,” he said. “Too many people didn’t reach their normal level.”
Slot argued that the defeat had more to do with Forest’s style of play rather than the lack of fresh legs.
The Liverpool boss is keen to bounce back from the disappointment and will need his squad at their best as they face a tough week, starting with Milan and followed by Bournemouth at the weekend.
Liverpool fans might have to wait a little longer to see Chiesa in full flow, but when his time comes, expect him to light up Anfield!
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